The IGCSE courses were designed specifically for overseas students who want GCSE-style courses, tied to GCSE standards, with an international flavour.

However, for practical reasons some overseas students cannot enter for GCSEs because of the coursework component. Therefore the option of a non-coursework route is provided for them. Some international centres choose to take the coursework option.

Edexcel remains firmly committed to the coursework component in domestic exams. These IGCSE qualifications have never been marketed in the UK, and they are not as yet accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. We have received a number of enquiries from UK schools, which remain at liberty to choose alternative qualifications. Some already offer “non UK qualifications” such as the International Baccalaureate.

Frank Wingate

Head of external relations

Edexcel